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Algorithms & AI

Applied Machine Learning with Catapults

Students are introduced to the concept of machine learning and the iterative engineering design process through the design, construction, and testing of a catapult. They will then experiment with the catapult in order to develop a mathematical model that can be used to make predictions of how the system will perform.

Students will:
  • Define machine learning and provide real-world applications for where it is used
  • Describe the engineering design process and apply it to the design and construction of a catapult
  • Develop a mathematical model that describes the performance of the catapult
  • Create an algorithm based on the performance analysis of the catapult
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    Lab time commitment

    90-120 minutes 
    (including 35-minute intro video)

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    Live Q&A session and wrap up with

    College Students & Professional Engineers

Classroom Tools & Resources

Get access to all of the presentation materials, workbooks and resources to run the Algorithms and AI lab in your classroom.

Lab Intro Videos

Get our engineer’s introduction to the lab topic and learn more about the lab activity.

If you've completed the lab intro, you can find additional optional lab extensions beginning at timecode 36:00.

Meet the lab intro host

Joanna Caudle
Staff Engineer

Joanna spent the first half of her career as a mechanical engineer with Bechtel Corporation where she designed and oversaw the construction and startup of power projects in the US and in several countries around the globe. She holds a BS degree in Physics from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN and a BME from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Ga. Joanna is also a licensed professional engineer in Virginia. After a rewarding engineering career, Joanna transitioned to teaching in 2002 and has taught all levels of physics courses and a popular exploratory engineering elective class. Joanna also serves as chair of the Science Department and the STEM Program Coordinator for a private, all-girls K-12 school outside Washington DC.
Joanna Caudle

Staff Engineer

Joanna spent the first half of her career as a mechanical engineer with Bechtel Corporation where she designed and oversaw the construction and startup of power projects in the US and in several countries around the globe. She holds a BS degree in Physics from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN and a BME from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Ga. Joanna is also a licensed professional engineer in Virginia. After a rewarding engineering career, Joanna transitioned to teaching in 2002 and has taught all levels of physics courses and a popular exploratory engineering elective class. Joanna also serves as chair of the Science Department and the STEM Program Coordinator for a private, all-girls K-12 school outside Washington DC.
Lab Day Keynote

Every Engineering Tomorrow Lab Day event ends with an inspiring keynote from an engineering expert. Watch this one from the latest Algorithms & AI Lab Day.

Adam Cheyer

Inventor, Entrepreneur, Engineering Executive
Airbnb

WHY ENGINEERING TOMORROW
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Hands-on student activities get students excited and keep them engaged.
Cutting-edge instruction designed by professional engineers.
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